Brazil coach Tite criticises Lionel Messi over Copa America refereeing row

Messi boycotted the medal ceremony after Argentina beat Chile in the third-place game on Saturday

Brazil coach Tite has criticized Lionel Messi for his complaints against the Copa America refereeing.

Brazil beat Messi’s Argentina lineup in the semifinals and clinched the title Sunday with a 3-1 win over Peru.

“He has to have more respect and needs to accept when he loses,” said Tite, who had praised the Argentine playmaker ahead of the semi-finals.

Messi boycotted the medal ceremony after Argentina beat Chile in the third-place game on Saturday. He said he was protesting against the refereeing and “corruption” in the Copa America.

Messi and a Chilean rival were red carded after their physical confrontation in the first half. He said Argentina was not treated fairly and hinted that Brazil was benefitting as a result.

Tite said he didn’t think Messi should have been sent off against Chile, and that a yellow card would have been enough. Still, he said Messi should have been “more careful” with his words.

AP